Patents Issued in April 5, 2016
  • Patent number: 9302886
    Abstract: An elevator door assembly includes car and hoistway door subassemblies. The car door subassembly includes: a car door, a door mover, and first and second vanes supported for movement relative to the car door. The hoistway door subassembly includes: a hoistway door; a locking member that selectively locks the hoistway door; and a coupler member associated with the locking member. When the car door is adjacent the hoistway door: the first vane moves into contact with the coupler member and causes the locking member to move into an unlocked position, prior to movement of the car and hoistway doors; and the second vane is retained in a non-blocking position by the coupler member. When the car door is not adjacent the hoistway door, movement of the car door toward the open position moves the second vane into a blocking position in which further movement of the car door is inhibited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Otis Elevator Company
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Tantis, Amine Badaoui, Franky Mias, Philippe Ducas
  • Patent number: 9302887
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for monitoring a passenger transport installation, in fact the entraining elements which establish a connection of a plate link chain to a step or pallet of the passenger transport installation. There is provided on the entraining element side a triggering element which, when a specifiable movement of the entraining element is detected or when at least one safety element is missing, triggers an alarm state and optionally halts the drive of the passenger transport installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: KONE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Heinrich Zeiger, Winfried Lanzki
  • Patent number: 9302888
    Abstract: A system includes a lift member configured to removably couple with a lifting device and a support member coupled to the lift member. The support member includes a first arm having a first end portion configured to removably engage a first section of an electronics panel, and a second arm having a second end portion offset by an arm distance from the first end portion. The second end portion is configured to selectively move to adjust the arm distance to removably engage a second section of the electronics panel opposite to the first section. The first and second end portions are configured to engage the electronics panel in a first orientation, to support the electronics panel during a transition to a second orientation, and to disengage the electronics panel in the second orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY
    Inventors: Jonathan Daniel Bahlatzis, David Christopher Burbank, Tony Allen Harrington
  • Patent number: 9302889
    Abstract: A hoisting device and, more particularly, an intelligent hoist ring that is capable of monitoring, recording and/or communicating the use of the hoist ring including monitoring, recording and/or communicating the loads on the hoist ring that can be used, inter alia, to determine condition of the hoist ring and whether it can remain in active service and monitoring tightening loads independently of applied loads.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Jergens, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Bateman, Bob Kucinic
  • Patent number: 9302890
    Abstract: A crane control system including a control module configured to interface with a crane control system to intervene with crane movement to avoid a collision with an obstacle, plans stored in memory for use by the control module representing vertical elevation or elevation ranges of a job site and identifying obstacles, a plurality of crane configurations stored in memory, and a display interface displaying a selected plan, crane configuration and real-time crane position. A method for controlling crane movement to avoid a collision with an obstacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: TNV, INC.
    Inventors: Paul E. Vogt, Douglas H. Taylor, Gabriela R. Gunther, An H. Nguyen, Matthew L. Megremis
  • Patent number: 9302891
    Abstract: A gantry crane (10) is configured in a panel turner application. The gantry crane (10) generally includes a gantry crane structure (14) having a first cross-beam (28) and a second cross-beam (30). A first main hoist mechanism (40) and a first auxiliary hoist mechanism (42) are coupled to the first cross-beam (28), and a second main hoist mechanism (44) and a second auxiliary hoist mechanism (46) are coupled to the second cross-beam (30). The crane (10) includes a hydraulic system configured to reduce the lift capacity of the first and/or second main hoist mechanism (40, 44), and to equalize the hoist capacity between the first and second main hoist mechanisms (40, 44) or the first and second auxiliary hoist mechanisms (42, 46) in certain applications. The auxiliary hoist mechanism (42, 46) are configured for powered movement along the respective cross-beams (28, 30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Marine Travelift, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry J. Wierzba, John E. Braun
  • Patent number: 9302892
    Abstract: A toilet lifting device facilitates lifting of a toilet when replacing a toilet fixture. The device includes a base and a pair of legs extending from the base. The legs are coplanar with the base and spaced apart wherein the legs are configured for positioning on opposite sides of a foot of a toilet. A jack is coupled to the base on an upper surface of the base. Each of a pair of arms is coupled to and extends from the jack. Thus, the operation of the jack selectively lifts the arms away from the base and the legs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Inventor: Ervin D. Summit
  • Patent number: 9302893
    Abstract: A lift truck includes systems and methods for improved vibration control. A corrective yaw input mechanism reduces or eliminates torsional vibration motion of the lift truck about the Z-axis. Some embodiments may include, alone or in combination, drive wheel control and load wheel control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: The Raymond Corporation
    Inventors: Fernando D. Goncalves, John Bryant Kirk, Steven J. Medwin
  • Patent number: 9302894
    Abstract: A method for filling containers with multi-component flowable media may include filling a first component into the container to be filled by means of a first filling assembly, transporting the container filled with the first component of the liquid to a second filling assembly, and filling a second component of the liquid into the container to be filled with the first component by means of the second filling assembly. After filling the first component into the container, a filling quantity of the first component is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Stefan Poeschl, Josef Doblinger
  • Patent number: 9302895
    Abstract: A filling machine for filling containers with a liquid filling material, the filling machine includes a transport element with filling elements arranged thereon, each forming a filling point for filling a container. Each filling element has a housing having a discharge opening, a channel formed in the housing. The channel connects to a product line to supply the filling material, and a liquid valve, a measurement system provided separately for each filling element for determining filling level, filling material quantity, or filling material volume in a container, a controlled gas path associated with each filling element, and a control valve fitted to the controlled gas path. At least two filling points and their filling elements define a function-and-process unit, and a control valve is provided in common for a gas path of all filling elements of a function-and-process unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventor: Ludwig Clusserath
  • Patent number: 9302896
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for sterilizing containers, such as cans, bottles, or similar containers. The method involves relatively moving a container and an elongated electron radiation treatment member with respect to one another, such that the treatment member is located in the container. The treatment member is used to treat the entire inside surface of the container with identical or essentially identical radiation power, and then is removed from the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventors: Alfred Drenguis, Volker Till
  • Patent number: 9302897
    Abstract: Example methods and apparatus to chill beverages in refrigerators at a faster rate than existing solutions, which use a tank in a refrigerating compartment for chilling, are disclosed. An example refrigerator includes a freezing compartment, a refrigerating compartment, a dispenser, a first tank in the freezing compartment fluidly coupled to a supply, and a second tank in the refrigerating compartment fluidly coupled to the first tank and to the dispenser. The refrigerator may further include a temperature sensor associated with the first tank, and a controller configured to transfer a beverage in its liquid state from the first tank to the second tank when the temperature sensor indicates the temperature of the beverage in its liquid state in the first tank meets a criterion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventor: Eric J. Dherde
  • Patent number: 9302898
    Abstract: A beverage tower having a solid cold block with glycol recirculation, the tap/valve is built into the cold block and is integral and fused thereto, so as to keep the entire beverage tap cold and maintain the beverages in a sanitary condition meeting health codes. The coolant lines within the cold block pass entirely around the tap in the cold block in serpentine fashion or in a coolant chamber, resulting in a tap which remains cooled effectively, while the cold block provides thermal inertia to the system. In particular, the entire valve stem and parts of the tap containing it are integral with and surrounded by the cold block. A method of construction is provided for an improved unitary integrated fused tapped cold block.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Inventor: Jon Joseph Robinson
  • Patent number: 9302899
    Abstract: A method of conducting a fueling transaction at a fuel dispenser. The fuel dispenser includes a flow meter operatively connected to internal fuel flow piping. The method comprises the step of providing a displacement sensor for generating information representative of an amount of fuel delivered through the flow meter. The displacement sensor comprises at least one transponder operatively connected to the flow meter. The method also comprises providing at least one interrogator electronics configured for remote electronic communication with the at least one transponder and authorizing the fueling transaction. Finally, the method comprises communicating with the at least one transponder using the at least one interrogator electronics during the fueling transaction. Fuel dispensers and flow meter assemblies comprising displacement sensors having transponders and/or capacitive sensing elements are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Gilbarco Inc.
    Inventors: Rodger K. Williams, Edward A. Payne, Christopher E. Scott
  • Patent number: 9302900
    Abstract: A colorant fluid dispensing system (1) for dispensing multiple colorant fluids, wherein the dispensing system includes more than one fluid holder (3) for holding a colorant fluid, a dispensing device (4) for dispensing the colorant fluids held by the fluid holders out of a system outlet (5), wherein the dispensing system (4) includes a weight measuring device constructed and arranged to measure weight changes of the fluid holder during the dispensing of the colorant fluid from the fluid holder, and the fluid holder is constructed and arranged to drive the colorant fluid out of the fluid holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: FUELL PROCESS S.A.
    Inventor: Renatus Petrus Cornelis Meeuwisse
  • Patent number: 9302901
    Abstract: The invention provides a MEMS device with enhanced structural strength. The MEMS device includes a plurality of metal layers, including a top metal layer with a plurality of metal segments. The metal segments are individually connected to an adjacent metal layer immediately under the top metal layer through at least one supporting pillar, and there is no dielectric layer between the metal segments and the adjacent metal layer immediately under the top metal layer. The metal layers except the top metal layer are respectively connected to their adjacent metal layers through at least one supporting pillar and a dielectric layer filling in between.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: PIXART IMAGING INCORPORATION
    Inventors: Chih-Ming Sun, Ming-Han Tsai, Hsin-Hui Hsu, WeiChung Wang
  • Patent number: 9302902
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling temperature of a MEMS sensor are disclosed. In a first aspect, the system comprises a MEMS cap encapsulating the MEMS sensor and a CMOS die vertically arranged to the MEMS cap. The system includes a heater integrated into the MEMS cap. The integrated heater is activated to control the temperature of the MEMS sensor. In a second aspect, the method comprises encapsulating the MEMS sensor with a MEMS cap and coupling a CMOS die to the MEMS cap. The method includes integrating a heater into the MEMS cap. The integrated heater is activated to control the temperature of the MEMS sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: INVENSENSE, INC.
    Inventors: Goksen G. Yaralioglu, Martin Lim
  • Patent number: 9302903
    Abstract: Microneedle devices and methods of manufacture are provided for transport of molecules or energy across or into biological barriers, such as skin. The device can comprise one or more microneedles formed of a first material and a second material, wherein the second material is dispersed throughout the first material or forms a portion of the microneedle. The first material preferably is a polymer. The second material can be pore forming agents, structural components, biosensor, or molecules for release, such as drug. The device also can comprise a substrate and a plurality of microneedles extending from the substrate, wherein the microneedles have a beveled or tapered tip portion, a longitudinally extending exterior channel, or both. Methods of making these devices include providing a mold having a plurality of microdepressions which define the surface of a microneedle; filling the microdepressions with a first molding material; and molding the material, thereby forming microneedles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Georgia Tech Research Corporation
    Inventors: Jung-Hwan Park, Mark R. Prausnitz
  • Patent number: 9302904
    Abstract: A method of fabricating an integrated semiconductor device, comprising: providing a substrate having a first region and a second region; and forming a semiconductor unit on the first region and forming a micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) unit on the second region in one process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hsueh-I Huang, Ming-Tung Lee, Shuo-Lun Tu
  • Patent number: 9302905
    Abstract: A method for forming a feature in a device layer, including forming a first layer of a liftoff material and a second layer of photoresist over the liftoff material, exposing the photoresist and developing the photoresist and the liftoff layer. The photoresist develops at a slower rate than the liftoff layer. The development results in a first opening in the lift off layer and a second opening in the photoresist layer wherein the first opening is smaller than the second opening because of the different developing rates. The device layer is then dry etched or ion milled through the opening. Subsequent removal of the first layer and second layer leaves a clean surface of the patterned device layer, without the fences that can be formed using other methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Innovative Micro Technology
    Inventor: Suresh K Sampath
  • Patent number: 9302906
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of forming a MEMS device includes providing a silicon wafer with a base layer and an intermediate layer above an upper surface of the base layer. A first electrode is defined in the intermediate layer and an oxide portion is provided above an upper surface of the intermediate layer. A cap layer is provided on an upper surface of the oxide portion and a second electrode is defined in the cap layer. The method further includes etching the oxide portion to form a cavity such that when the second electrode and the cavity are projected onto the intermediate layer, the projected second electrode encompasses the projected cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Ando Feyh, Andrew B. Graham
  • Patent number: 9302907
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a MEMS device with guard ring, and a method for making the MEMS device. The MEMS device comprises a bond pad and a sidewall surrounding and connecting with the bond pad, characterized in that the sidewall forms a guard ring by an etch-resistive material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: PIXART IMAGING INCORPORATION
    Inventors: Hsin Hui Hsu, Sheng Ta Lee, Chuan Wei Wang
  • Patent number: 9302908
    Abstract: A process for forming a functionalized sensor for sensing a molecule of interest includes providing at least one single or multi-wall carbon nanotube having a first and a second electrode in contact therewith on a substrate; providing a third electrode including a decorating material on the substrate a predetermined distance from the at least one single or multi-wall carbon nanotube having a first and a second electrode in contact therewith, wherein the decorating material has a bonding affinity for a bioreceptors that react with the molecule of interest; and applying a voltage to the third electrode, causing the decorating material to form nanoparticles of the decorating material on the at least one single or multi-wall carbon nanotube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Georgetown University
    Inventors: Makarand Paranjape, Jianyun Zhou
  • Patent number: 9302909
    Abstract: The invention relates to nanotechnology and is directed at nanocomposite materials with effectively controllable optical properties which can be used in non-linear optics, information engineering, for designing optical memory means etc. The inventive nanocomposite material comprises nanoparticles, intermediate bonding molecule particles which modify the space configuration when they are exposed to an external light action, and bondable molecule particles which exhibit the optical properties near nanoparticles, wherein the nanoparticles, intermediate bonding molecules and bondable molecules are connected in series so as to form a three-dimensional cluster structure. Moreover, the intermediate bonding molecule particles which modify the space configuration when they are exposed to an external light action can contain additional inclusions in the form of functional substituents which enhance the bonding properties thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Inventors: Evgeny P. Grebennikov, Alexandr G. Devyatkov, Grigory E. Adamov
  • Patent number: 9302910
    Abstract: The invention relates to a short-flow process for desulfurization of circulating hydrogen and a device for the same. A short-flow process for desulfurization of circulating hydrogen is provided, comprising: (a) removing hydrocarbons from the circulating hydrogen mixture, so that the liquid drops of the heavy hydrocarbons in the dispersion phase are separated from the circulating hydrogen in the continuous phase, and a heavy hydrocarbon phase and a mixture phase of circulating hydrogen containing sulfur are obtained; (b) further separating the resultant mixture phase to remove the sulfides therein, so that circulating hydrogen without sulfur is obtained; (c) further separating the resultant circulating hydrogen without sulfur to remove the amine solution therein, so that purified circulating hydrogen is obtained. The invention also provides a device for desulfurization of circulating hydrogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignees: SHANGHAI HUACHANG ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION CO., LTD., LUOYANG PETROCHEMICAL ENGINEERING CORPORATION (LPEC)/SINOPEC
    Inventors: Hualin Wang, Ji Ma, Zhuoqun Qian, Yanhong Zhang, Liquan Li, Qian Zeng, Chonggang Chen, Qiang Yang, Xiaomei Xu, Xin Cui
  • Patent number: 9302911
    Abstract: The present invention is for extremely pure solutions of chlorine dioxide, methods for making such solutions and to compositions and methods for storing, shipping and using such solutions. Generally, the chlorine dioxide solutions of the invention are aqueous solutions containing about 2500 ppm or less of total impurities. The chlorine dioxide solution can be prepared by passing dilute highly pure chlorine gas through a bed of substantially solid sodium chlorite and contacting the resulting chlorine dioxide gas with a liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: CDG Environmental, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Ellsworth McWhorter, Aaron Rosenblatt, Robert Shay, Barzin Keramati, Peter Kazlas, Madhu Anand, John Peter Hobbs
  • Patent number: 9302912
    Abstract: Improvements in the supply of high-frequency electrical power to ozone-producing cells can be accomplished using the systems and techniques described herein. Application of a DC-DC converter operating at a switching frequency substantially greater than a load frequency, supports generation of a high-voltage AC for powering such cells, while allowing for reductions in component size and reductions in a quality factor of a load tuning circuit. Controllable power inverters used in obtaining one or more of the switching and load frequencies can be controlled using feedback techniques to provide stable, high-quality power to ozone-producing cells under variations in one or more of externally supplied power and load conditions. An inrush protection circuit can also be provided to selectively introduce a current-limiting resistance until an input DC bus has been sufficiently initialized as determined by measurements obtained from the DC bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: MKS Instruments, Inc.
    Inventors: Ken Tran, Feng Tian, Xing Chen, Franklin Lee
  • Patent number: 9302913
    Abstract: There is provided a method for producing a high-purity metal nitride by simple processes with good yield. Specifically provided is a method for producing a metal nitride including heating a metal hydride under a nitrogen gas or an ammonia gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: TAIHEIYO CEMENT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuhiko Tokoyoda, Shoji Suzuki, Tomoki Hatsumori
  • Patent number: 9302914
    Abstract: In an example of a method for making a hollow carbon material, a carbon black particle is obtained. The carbon black particle has a concentric crystallite structure with an at least partially amorphous carbon core and a graphitic carbon shell surrounding the at least partially amorphous carbon core. The carbon black particle is exposed to any of a heat treatment, a chemical treatment, or an electrochemical treatment which removes the at least partially amorphous carbon core to form the hollow carbon material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Zhongyi Liu, Qiangfeng Xiao, Xingcheng Xiao, Michael K. Carpenter, Mei Cai
  • Patent number: 9302915
    Abstract: A method for producing a polysilane includes a step of reacting (i) at least two silane monomers and (ii) at least one alkali metal. The silane monomers contain the following structural units: at least one aryl group, at least one alkyl group, at least one alkenyl group, and at least three halogen atoms. At least three of the halogen atoms are bonded to a silicon atom of one of the silane monomers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: BJS Ceramics GmbH
    Inventors: Tobias Lehmann, Joahim Bill, Andreas Kienzle
  • Patent number: 9302916
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing rod-like silica fine particles including carbon, the method including: a first step of preparing a mixed solvent by mixing a surfactant with alcohol, and then preparing a mixed solution by adding water, ethanol, ammonia water and a salt to the mixed solvent; a second step of forming rod-like silica fine particles by adding a silica precursor to the mixed solution; and a third step of carbonizing the rod-like silica fine particles, and through a sol-gel reaction of the silica precursor and a carbonization process thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Sang-Young Kim, Se-Jung Kim, Gi-Ra Yi, Seung-Hyun Kim
  • Patent number: 9302917
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a method of producing low valence titanium oxides in a steady supply manner acceptable in industrial production. The low valence titanium oxides are produced by electrical discharge between two electrodes in an aqueous medium, wherein at least one of the electrodes is a titanium-containing electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignees: NATIONAL UNIVERSITY CORPORATION KUMAMOTO UNIVERSITY, KURARAY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Mashimo, Omurzak Uulu Emil, Naoto Kameyama, Makoto Okamoto, Yoshiaki Yasuda, Hideharu Iwasaki
  • Patent number: 9302918
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for manufacturing an oxychloride or oxide of actinide(s) and/or of lanthanide(s) from a chloride of actinide(s) and/or of lanthanide(s) present in a medium comprising at least one molten salt of chloride type comprising a step of bringing said chloride of actinide(s) and/or lanthanide(s) present in said medium comprising at least one molten salt of chloride type into contact with a wet inert gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'energie atomique et aux energies alternatives
    Inventors: Annabelle Laplace, Jean-Francois Vigier, Thierry Plet, Catherine Renard, Francis Abraham, Cyrine Slim, Sylvie Delpech, Gerard Picard
  • Patent number: 9302919
    Abstract: A seawater desalination unit is disclosed, which comprises: a frame, an exit filtration part, and a water drawing part. The frame is configured with a reservoir, a water intake pipe and a water discharge pipe in a manner that the water intake pipe is connected to the reservoir respectively via one end thereof, while allowing a first check valve to be disposed at a position between the reservoir and the water intake pipe, and the water discharge pipe is connected to the second filtration part and the reservoir respectively via two opposite ends thereof, while allowing a second check valve to be disposed at a position between the high-pressure reservoir and the water discharge pipe. Moreover, the water drawing part is arranged in fluid communication with the water intake pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE
    Inventors: Yung-Jen Cheng, Hung-Cheng Yen
  • Patent number: 9302920
    Abstract: Integrated controller and method for a water filtration system. The system can include a membrane filter, a valve coupled to the membrane filter, and a water softener and/or a media filter. The filtration system can include a controller coupled to membrane filter and coupled to the water softener and/or the media filter. The controller can include a flow meter and a switch. The flow meter can be coupled to the membrane filter and the water softener and/or the media filter. The switch can be electrically connected to the valve. In some embodiments, the controller can cause the switch to flush the membrane filter only when the water softener and/or the media filter is not being regenerated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Pentair Residential Filtration, LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Scott Elko, David J. Averbeck
  • Patent number: 9302921
    Abstract: A bio-inspired method for detoxifying contaminated water is disclosed. In the method, polydopamine, a mussel-inspired adhesive catecholamine was used as an adsorbent to effectively remove from contaminated water three major classes of toxic agents: heavy metal ions (e.g., Cr, Hg, Pb, Cu, and Cd), toxic organic species (e.g., 4-aminopyridine), and radioisotopes (e.g., Lutetium-177). Furthermore, the polydopamine adsorbent was regenerated by treatment with acid or hydrogen peroxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Northwestern University
    Inventors: Phillip B. Messersmith, Haeshin Lee
  • Patent number: 9302922
    Abstract: Described herein are filtration membranes and related, compositions, methods and systems and in particular filtration membranes with polymeric micro/nanoparticles embedded in a polymer matrix formed by a porous polymeric aggregate, a bicomposite membrane including a plurality of nanofibers and/or microfibers attached to a polymer matrix formed by a porous polymeric aggregate comprising polymeric nanoparticles, and related compositions, methods, and systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignees: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, KOREA ADVANCED INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Mamadou S. Diallo, Madhusudhana Rao Kotte
  • Patent number: 9302923
    Abstract: A wastewater treatment apparatus includes an air diffusing unit, a denitrification confirming unit, a nitrification confirming unit, a gas supply-amount control unit. The air diffusing unit supplies gas to nitrogen-containing water. The denitrification confirming unit provided at a first predetermined position confirms a denitrification state whether a desired proportion of the nitrate has been denitrified. The nitrification confirming unit provided at a second predetermined position confirms a nitrification state whether a desired proportion of the ammonia has been nitrified. The gas supply-amount control unit controls a gas supply amount at least on an upstream side of the denitrification confirming unit, so that the desired proportion of the nitrate is denitrified at the first predetermined position, and controls the gas supply amount at least on an upstream side of the nitrification confirming unit, so that the desired proportion of the ammonia is nitrified at the second predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignees: METAWATER CO., LTD., TOKYO METROPOLITAN SEWERAGE SERVICE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yuji Furuya, Shigehiro Suzuki, Nobuki Tsuboi, Hiroyuki Takahashi, Noriaki Inagaki, Tsutomu Wada, Makoto Maeda, Kouji Kassai, Keiichi Sone
  • Patent number: 9302924
    Abstract: The present invention provides compositions and methods of reducing cyanuric acid levels in recreational water systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: BiOWiSH Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael S. Showell, Richard S. Carpenter, John Gorsuch, Joseph Roberts, David Bartoli, Richard Rosene, Lora Rosene
  • Patent number: 9302925
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a bioremediation agent and method of bioremediation of an oil spill are disclosed. The bioremediation agent contains oil-digesting bacteria and bacterial nutrients in a buoyant water semi-insoluble and biodegradable casein product. The bioremediation agent may be distributed by boats or seeded by aircraft to remediate oil from coastlines after an oil spill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Inventor: John P. Fuhrer
  • Patent number: 9302926
    Abstract: To provide a process for producing granules, wherein a component in an exhaust gas discharged from a glass melting furnace can be reused as a raw material for alkali-free glass, and a heating and drying step is not required for the reuse. Exhaust gas G1 formed in a process for melting a raw material of glass containing a boron component is brought in contact with contacting liquids L1 and L2 to obtain treated liquids S1, S2 and S3 having the boron component in the exhaust gas G1 dissolved therein; magnesium hydroxide is added to the mixture of the treated liquids in a treated liquid tank 14 to obtain a liquid containing a boron component and a magnesium component; by using the liquid, a granulation liquid is prepared; and in the presence of the granulation liquid, a raw material mixture for producing alkali-free borosilicate glass is granulated to produce granules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Asahi Glass Company, Limited
    Inventors: Ryota Ando, Yasuo Hayashi
  • Patent number: 9302927
    Abstract: A vacuum melting furnace for infrared glass, includes an upper furnace body and a lower furnace body that can be connected with each other or isolated from each other. Vacuum melting of the infrared glass is achieved in the upper furnace body wherein the influence of water in the environment is eliminated. The vacuum negative pressure environments can promote separation of hydroxyl in the structure, which achieves removing of hydroxyl in the glass, and then discharging of the molten infrared glass is conducted at atmospheric pressure in the lower furnace body. By using the vacuum melting furnace for infrared glass, infrared glass with good spectrum transmission performance can be obtained with improved property stability and optical homogeneity, which facilitates the preparation and molding of large sized and special-shaped infrared glass products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: CHINA BUILDING MATERIALS ACADEMY
    Inventors: Huifeng Zhao, Chengkui Zu, Bin Han, Yonghua Liu, Jiang Chen, Yanhang Wang, Yangli Jin, Hua Zhao
  • Patent number: 9302928
    Abstract: An amorphous alloy contains 68 atomic % or more and 86 atomic % or less of Re, 8 atomic % or more and 12 atomic % or less of Hf, and 0.1 atomic % or more and 5 atomic % or less of O.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hirotaka Fukushima
  • Patent number: 9302929
    Abstract: A tilting device for cropping a sheet of laminated glass, comprising two side-by-side rows of suckers, each supported by a bar of a frame which is pivoted, on the opposite side with respect to the suckers, to a supporting structure, the bars both resting on the same elements for the alternating lifting and lowering of the bars, which are adapted to produce the simultaneous alternating tilting of both of the frames and of the corresponding rows of suckers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Newtech-Engineering S.r.l.
    Inventor: Silvano Sgarabottolo
  • Patent number: 9302930
    Abstract: An aspect of the present invention relates to optical glass, which is oxide glass, having a refractive index nd ranging from 1.95 to 2.50 and an Abbé number ?d ranging from 18 to 40, including essential components in the form of Si4+, B3+, La3+, Ti4+, Nb5+, and at least one from among Gd3+, Y3+, and Yb3+, including, denoted as cation %, 1 to 30% of Si4+, 1 to 50% of B3+, wherein a total of Si4+ and B3+ ranges from 5 to 55%, a total of 11 to 70% of La3+, Gd3+, Y3+, and Yb3+, with 10 to 50% of La3+, a total of 23 to 70% of Ti4+, Nb5+, Ta5+, and W6+, with equal to or greater than 1% of Nb5+ and greater than 22% of Ti4+.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: HOYA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tomoaki Negishi, Toshiyuki Nishikawa
  • Patent number: 9302931
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a device for ceramizing green glass in a continuous furnace, with the ceramization being carried out directly on rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: SCHOTT AG
    Inventors: Falk Gabel, Thoralf Johansson, Uwe Martens, Christian Roos, Friedrich Georg Schroder
  • Patent number: 9302932
    Abstract: Provided are a glass composition, preparation method thereof, and cooking appliance including the glass composition. The glass composition includes a glass frit containing P2O5, a Group I-based oxide, and a Group III-based oxide. The Group I-based oxide is selected from Na2O, K2O, and Li2O, the Group III-based oxide is selected from Al2O3 and B2O3, and the glass frit contains about 40 wt % to about 75 wt % of P2O5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Youngseok Kim, Yongsoo Lee, Namjin Kim, Youngjun Lee
  • Patent number: 9302933
    Abstract: A method of making an article having a textured glass surface, including, for example: attaching microencapsulated particles to a portion of a glass surface of the article; and contacting the glass surface having the attached microencapsulated particles with an etchant to form the textured surface. A glass article prepared by the method including: at least one textured surface having excellent haze, distinctness-of-image, surface roughness, and uniformity properties, as defined herein. A display system that incorporates the glass article, as defined herein, is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Timothy Edward Myers, Vasudha Ravichandram, Christine Coulter Wolcott
  • Patent number: 9302934
    Abstract: A glass-ceramic plate for covering or accommodating at least one heating element, wherein the plate is at least partly coated with at least one nanoscale layer based on a metallic material having a refractive index greater than the refractive index of the glass-ceramic.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: EUROKERA S.N.C.
    Inventors: Pablo Vilato, Caroline Faillat, Marie-Helene Rouillon
  • Patent number: 9302935
    Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to Ni-inclusive ternary alloy being provided as a barrier layer for protecting an IR reflecting layer comprising silver or the like. The provision of a barrier layer comprising nickel, chromium, and/or molybdenum and/or oxides thereof may improve corrosion resistance, as well as chemical and mechanical durability. In certain examples, more than one barrier layer may be used on at least one side of the layer comprising silver. In still further examples, a NixCryMoz-based layer may be used as the functional layer, rather than or in addition to as a barrier layer, in a coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Guardian Industries Corp.
    Inventors: Muhammad Imran, Bernd Disteldorf, Marcus Frank, Richard Blacker